One-Tank Trip for
July 28-18
(c) By Jim Fox
Shiver me timbers,
pirates have been sighted on the Great Lakes.
And what’s more, across
town for the first time in 34 years, a queen is sole ruler of Medieval Times.
Catch the fun with
Pirate Life’s “journey of a lifetime” setting sail in Toronto harbour on Lake
Ontario in search of sunken treasure.
 |
| A young member of the pirate crew keeps a lookout. |
Here’s a chance to
join the pirate crew on board the 45-foot
Island Rogue “for an experience like no other,” said Matt Slaman, show director.
Passengers take a
one-hour sailing filled with theatrical performances and interactive situations.
Before boarding, the
motley crew receives pirate names, face-painted tattoos and activities to
prepare for the bold journey.
Travellers are
encouraged to dress in their finest pirate attire or access the crew’s costume
collection.
This theatrical and
interactive voyage incorporates crew members specializing in acting, performing
and music.
After dressing the
part and practising their best pirate “arrrghh” for the captain, the vessel
sets sail to learn the ways of the sea-faring life.
Pirates discover
the mystery of Treasure Island, encounter friend and foe, shoot water cannons
and haul up loot – if they get lucky and avoid a “marooning for the lot of ye.”
Featured on the
Dragon’s Den, Pirate Life has set sail since 2013 with more than 400 adventures
and 10,000 pirates.
 |
| Hauling in a pirate’s treasure chest full of loot. |
The ship also offers private charters, corporate
events and dock parties.
It hosts artistic
shows as well as concerts with the Toronto Chamber Players and allows artists
to perform dockside.
Located at the
pier at the bottom of Parliament Street (333 Lakeshore Blvd. E.) in downtown
Toronto, the ship sails six times daily this month and August, and from May to
June and September to Oct. 8 on weekends.
Passage costs $27
for adults and children; free to age two; $49, season’s pass.piratelife.ca; (416)
476-3836
Step aside guys
A new “royal” has
arrived in Toronto, taking away the reins of power from the men at the Medieval
Times’ castle.
In a major break
from the dinner and tournament’s tradition of casting a king in the show’s lead
role, there’s now a queen in charge and sole ruler of the land.
 |
| Medieval Times now has a queen ruling the land. |
She is said to be
cast as a firm-but-kind ruler respected throughout the kingdom who inherited
the throne from her late father, the previous king.
The queen holds
court over all the jousting, fighting, horsemanship, swordplay and four-course
feast that remain central elements of the attraction.
It’s also the first
time since 2012, Medieval Times has unveiled a new storyline in Toronto.
The idea to cast a
matriarch was based in part on guest feedback and is the seventh Medieval Times
North American location to roll out the new show.
“Where previously
our female characters played in more supportive roles, we are now showing a
woman fully in charge – a woman whose authority is sometimes challenged, but
she quickly rises to the occasion as a strong leader, squelching opposition,”
says Leigh Cordner, show director.
 |
| A capriole horse flies through the air at Medieval Times. |
Other significant
changes include more than 700 new costumes for the nine castles’ performers
including horses and new suits of custom-made armour, shields and helmets.
More than 200 team
members and 20 horses trained and rehearsed for three months and there’s new
music composed by jazz pianist Daniel May.
Medieval Times is
at 10 Dufferin St. (Exhibition Place), with general admission $65.95 for
adults; $45.95, children 12 and younger. medievaltimes.com/toronto;
1-888-WE-JOUST (935-6878).
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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com
For more One-Tank Trips: http://1tanktrips.blogspot.ca
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